As parents, we all want to protect our children from any harm that may come their way. Unfortunately, even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. One such incident that is often looked over is a dog attack. According to the CDC, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and more than 800,000 receive medical attention for dog bites. To make matters worse, at least half of those bitten are children. which can be a traumatic experience for both the child and the family.
If your child has been attacked by a dog in Texas, there are certain steps that you should take to protect their health and well-being, as well as your legal rights. In this blog, our Dallas Dog Bite Attorneys will define these steps in addition to explaining what your rights are under Texas law if your child is involved in a dog attack.
Seek Medical Attention For Your Child’s Injuries
Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s important to have your child’s injuries checked by a medical professional. Dog bites can lead to serious infections, and your child may need a tetanus shot or other treatment to prevent complications from occurring. Additionally, having documentation of the injuries can be helpful if you decide to pursue legal action.
Get All of the Details
Once your child’s health has been addressed, you should gather information about the dog and its owner. This includes getting the owner’s name, address, and phone number, as well as the dog’s breed and any identifying information such as tags or a collar. If possible, take photos of the dog and the scene of the attack. You may also want to get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the attack happen.
Contact Legal Assistance
After you have gathered this information, you should contact a Texas-based law firm that specializes in dog bite cases. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and can advise you on how to proceed. In Texas, dog owners can be held liable for any damages their dog causes, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was aggressive or had a history of attacks. This means that you may be able to recover compensation for your child’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
It’s important to note that Texas has a statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims, including those related to dog bites. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. However, it’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the attack to ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines or opportunities.
Contact Our Dallas Dog Bite Lawyers to Get the Justice You Deserve
In the case that your child has been bitten by a dog, it is natural to seek justice, particularly if it resulted from the owner’s carelessness. To properly navigate the complex dog attack laws in Texas and conduct a thorough investigation into your case, you will require the assistance of a skilled dog bite attorney.
At the Law Office of Tim O’Hare, our attorneys possess over two decades of experience dealing with dog bite cases. We can assist you in receiving the maximum financial compensation, as well as holding any irresponsible dog owners liable for the harm they have caused your child. Get in touch with us today for a complimentary consultation.
